PRINCE PHILIP TO CARRY OUT FINAL OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT

The Duke of Edinburgh will meet Royal Marines in his final public engagement before he retires from royal duties.

The 96-year-old announced his retirement in May, after decades of supporting the Queen, as well as attending events for his own charities and organisations.

Prince Philip has completed 22,219 solo engagements since 1952.
On Wednesday, he will meet servicemen who have taken part in a 1,664-mile trek in aid of charity.

As Captain General of the Royal Marines, the duke will attend a parade to mark the finale of the 1664 Global Challenge – a series of strength and endurance challenges raising funds and awareness for charity.

While his diary of engagements will come to an end, Buckingham Palace has said the duke may still decide to attend certain events alongside the Queen in the future.

The Queen’s public schedule will continue as normal.

Lady Myra Butter has known Prince Philip since the age of eight or nine and told Radio 4’s Today he was “very spirited, a young normal boy full of fun… we loved when he came to stay”.

Asked about what the duke would do next, she said: “I’m sure that he won’t disappear, he will be greatly missed by everybody.

“He’s been such a stable character in all our lives – he’s always there and he’s always been there for the Queen and I think we’re very, very lucky to have him.”

On announcing his retirement earlier this year, the royal consort was praised for his years of service, with Prime Minister Theresa May offering the country’s “deepest gratitude and good wishes”.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wished him “all the best in his well-earned retirement”